Tip of the Day

How much difference can an animal make in your life? It’s almost unbelievable. A 1995 study followed a group of about 200 heart attack survivors for two years. Dog owners had 80 percent less chance of suffering a new attack than subjects without dogs. According to cardiologist Shmuel Ravid, this result is fairly typical. Other studies have found similar, less dramatic pet benefits, including better control of blood pressure, fewer reports of minor health problems, and lesser feeling of social isolation. Walking dogs provides exercise; watching fish or a bird gives us relaxation. Petting your cat may be more therapeutic than you think. (Source: “The Art of Getting Well: A Five-Step Plan for Maximizing Health When You Have a Chronic Illness” by David Spero, R.N.)